ALBION’s goalkeeping coach Joe Corrigan will retire at the end of this season.

The 60-year-old will bow out from full-time football after a 42-year career in the game.

Corrigan, who has been commuting from Macclesfield for most of his four-year spell at Albion, has worked with the likes of Chris Kirkland, Tomasz Kuszczak, Scott Carson, Dean Kiely and Pascal Zuberbuhler during his time at the club.

The Baggies have yet to announce Corrigan’s successor but the vacancy may provide an opportunity for 38-year-old Kiely, now No.2 choice behind Carson, who has ambitions to move into coaching.

Tony Mowbray paid tribute to Corrigan, who made 592 appearances for Manchester City and earned nine England caps during his 19-year playing career.

“I first came across Joe when I was a player at Middlesbrough in the early 90s when he joined the club as goalkeeping coach,” said the Albion boss.

“Joe has been a pleasure to work with for the past two-and-a-half years. His knowledge and experience have been a big help to me and I’ll be sorry to see him go.

“He’s a great character, a true gentleman and everyone at the club wishes him a long and happy retirement.”

Corrigan, who had previously coached at Leeds, Celtic and Middlesbrough, took up the permanent duties at Liverpool in 1994 where, during a 10-year spell, he was also reserves manager, leading the Reds to the inaugural FA Premier Reserve League (North) title in 2000.

He left Anfield after the arrival of Rafael Benitez in 2004 and was brought to The Hawthorns by Bryan Robson in 2004.

Corrigan said: “This is a massive decision for me because I’ve been involved in football for 42 years. But I’m 60 now and it’s very demanding travelling up and down the M6 every day.

“Everyone says you know when the time is right to retire – and I feel this is mine.

“I’ve had just over four great years at this club and want to say a massive thank you to the Albion fans, who have always been very supportive of me and made me feel really welcome.

“The staff and players – particularly the keepers – have also been a pleasure to work with.

“I always wanted to finish at the top and my final match will be a Premier League fixture.

“Ironically, my final home game here will be against Liverpool, a club where I spent ten happy years, and we went to City two weeks ago, which obviously is always a special occasion for me.

“Scott and Dean have been my main focus this season and they are both terrific goalkeepers and people. I also believe Luke Daniels has the potential to become a top keeper.”